From the blog:Choosing An Egg DonorInfertility, or the inability to conceive or carry a baby to term after a year of trying, is a problem for many couples. There are many causes, and some involve a woman’s ability to ovulate. If a woman cannot ovulate, or if she cannot produce viable eggs, doctors will suggest that the couple...

Infertility Indicators - Signs That Point To Possible Fertility Problems

Posted Sunday, June 21, 2009 9:51 PM

Most people consider the definition of infertility to be the inability to conceive after at least a year of trying. Or, alternatively, the definition could be the inability to carry a baby to term. These are the meanings that doctors assign to the term as well.

But, before being diagnosed as infertile, couples can see if they have any infertility indicators. The following is a list of signs that point to the possibility of a person having fertility problems. Of course, having any of these does not mean it is certain that a person is infertile—it only means that there is a stronger possibility that the person may have fertility problems.

The first infertility indicator is irregular menstrual cycles in the woman. Normal cycles are close to 28 days; so, if a woman’s cycle is shorter than 24 days or longer than 35 days, she may have fertility problems because of this. Also, if she tends to bleed more heavily or more lightly than most or have excessive cramps, infertility could be an issue.

The next infertility indicator has to do with miscarriages. If a woman has had prior miscarriages—especially if she has had recurrent ones (meaning at least two in a row)—this can signify trouble with fertility.

Age is also a factor. If a woman is over the age of 35, she may be more likely to have to deal with infertility. Some people do not agree that this is a true fertility indicator, as they point to the rise in the number of births in older women over the last several years. But, the truth remains that it is still more difficult for older women to conceive.

This infertility indicator is about the man in the couple. If he has problems with early ejaculation or impotence, these could affect fertility.

The next infertility indicators involve both members of the couple.

First of all, if either member of the couple suffers from any serious disease, it can cause problems with fertility. All diseases do not cause infertility, of course, but it is wise to consider them. This is because even if the disease itself does not affect fertility, the drugs used to treat the disease might. So, if either partner has diabetes, depression, arthritis, or any other condition, make note of it.

Another infertility indicator is if either person has a history of sexually-transmitted diseases (STD), this, too, can cause problems. Even if any STD’s have been treated and cured, they still may have caused an issue with something in the reproductive tract.

Couples should take these infertility indicators under consideration when thinking about what may be causing their fertility problems—and, they should share this information with their doctors. Couples should use this listing of infertility indicators as a guideline by which to decide when to see a doctor about their infertility. If, for instance, a person has a few of the conditions on this list, he or she may want to see their doctor sooner for fertility treatment options than a person who has none of these conditions.